| | | | |  | | By Jeff Coltin, Nick Reisman and Emily Ngo | | Presented by |  | | | With help from Shawn Ness
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Former President Donald Trump is paying the Bronx a visit on Thursday, and as of now, there are no plans to protest his arrival. | Alex Wong/Getty Images | Former President Donald Trump’s rally in the South Bronx Thursday could be the most damage red America has inflicted on New York Democrats’ psyche since … last night when the Indiana Pacers beat the Knicks. The ex-president is, almost certainly, looking for the cable TV-ready proof of his growing support among Black and Latino voters. And Bronx Democrats may let him have it — without any counterprogramming. “I haven’t heard of any planned protests,” said City Council Member Oswald Feliz, whose district includes the site of the campaign event, Crotona Park. “Given that the Trump days are over — thank you, Biden! — we shouldn’t waste much time with that rally.” Trump got blown out in the accompanying Assembly district, 11 percent to Biden’s 88 percent. And he lost the Bronx 16-84. He will, almost certainly, lose them both again in November by a landslide. That didn’t stop Rubén Díaz Sr., the former Democratic council member from the South Bronx who’s embraced the Republicans, from organizing about a dozen MAGA faithful to march in the blue borough Saturday. “We in the South Bronx are trying to do our part, to say that Trump is welcome and we’re ready for him,” Díaz told Playbook. The miniscule march was mocked online. “I’ve seen more people waiting for a Bx36 bus than this ‘rally,’” Assemblymember Kenny Burgos tweeted to a video. But Díaz was ecstatic. “Nobody is booing, nobody is throwing eggs. And people were giving the thumbs up,” he said. “I told my wife, ‘Pray for me. We’re in the South Bronx and this could be dangerous.’ I was surprised by the support we got!” His former colleague, Bronx State Sen. Gustavo Rivera, responded with puking emojis when asked about Trump’s rally. Díaz “should be ashamed of himself for daring to stand next to a fascist who wants to obliterate his community,” Rivera texted, in part. Still, Trump could benefit in New York — and nationally — from young, progressive anger at President Joe Biden over his handling of the war in Gaza. Bronx Democrats have “a lot of strong feelings about somebody who has been openly hostile towards immigrants,” State Sen. Jamaal Bailey, the party leader, said Sunday. But there are no plans for a response “as of yet.” Some Democrats think that would be a missed opportunity. During Trump’s handful of New York events since his trial began, he’s depicted the city as a crime-ridden hellscape — a picture disputed by recent crime stats, but one that fits in with national Republican talking points. “I think President Biden needs that, the visual of a counter-rally in the bluest of blue states,” said Edwin Molina, a communications operative who’s worked extensively in the Bronx. Swing state Democrats, by contrast, are quick to rally against Trump when he sets foot on their turf. There’s a vibe among Trump supporters online that he could win New York, Molina said. “They feel emboldened,” he added. “I think that makes it more important for a peaceful Biden counter-rally.” — Jeff Coltin HAPPY MONDAY: Got news? Send it our way: Jeff Coltin, Emily Ngo and Nick Reisman.
| | | | A message from Safer Roads For All: New York State has the potential to pave the way to a cleaner, safer, and more accessible future with autonomous vehicles. Using real-world data from over 7 million rider-only driving miles in 3 major cities, studies have shown that autonomous vehicles (AVs) can avoid injury-causing and fatal crashes better than human driver benchmarks. | | | WHERE’S KATHY? In Ireland delivering remarks at the Global Economic Summit. WHERE’S ERIC? Appearing live on NY1’s “Mornings on 1," then on 1010 WINS’ “Morning Drive,” then on FOX 5’s “Good Day New York,” then on PIX11’s “PIX11 Morning News,” meeting with the UAE’s Minister of Economy, H. E. Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri, and making an economic and education-related announcement. QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Governor Abbott is a coward who uses human beings as political pawns, and has done nothing while murder rates in Texas have skyrocketed under his lack of leadership.” — Mayor Eric Adams’ office in response to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s vow to continue sending migrants by bus to New York City.
|  | ABOVE THE FOLD | | | 
Mayor Eric Adams' housing authority is taking aim at former Gov. Andrew Cuomo over differing opinions on the authority's handling of potential water contaminations. | Seth Wenig/AP | CUOMO AND NYCHA: The public housing agency overseen by Adams is squaring off against former Gov. Andrew Cuomo over an issue that’s critical to their shared base of working-class Black voters. The back and forth Sunday over how the New York City Housing Authority handled a possible water contamination issue — reported by POLITICO — raises renewed questions over whether Cuomo will run for mayor next year. It also comes as the field of Democratic candidates is growing with the addition of state Sen. Zellnor Myrie, a progressive Brooklyn lawmaker. At a church in Crown Heights, Cuomo slammed the government’s handling of the issue at the Jacob Riis Houses and accused officials of a dithering response. “The hard truth, that the residents don’t trust the government,” Cuomo said. “That they feel like they have been mistreated and disrespected and treated like second-class citizens.” This drew a heated rebuke from NYCHA spokesperson Barbara Brancaccio, who called him a “desperate fallen leader” who used “fear-mongering for political expediency” during the Covid-19 pandemic. "There is no truth to what he said today — he should know better, but clearly he does not, and this is simply irresponsible,” Brancaccio added. The reaction is a striking one, but so were Cuomo’s albeit careful remarks that broadly condemned government inaction on the water issue. Cuomo spokesperson Rich Azzopardi hit back by adding that Cuomo will “stand up and fight for the people of @NYCHA against a failed bureaucracy every single day of the week, and twice on Sunday.” The former governor’s allies have said he won’t run for mayor if Adams remains in the race. Cuomo, too, has largely kept his criticism to blasts against the state government in his public appearances following his 2021 resignation amid allegations of sexual harassment. But consider that Cuomo was critical of how Adams’ administration has handled a problem that resonates with Black voters — a demographic that both men would need in a mayoral contest next year. — Nick Reisman
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Mayor Eric Adams is appearing live on 1010 WINS to tout the support he's receiving on a zoning proposal. | John Minchillo/AP | DO MY BIDDING: Adams and City Planning Commissioner Dan Garodnick are hitting the airwaves this morning to tout support from the business community for a zoning proposal coming before the City Council later this week — providing another window into how City Hall approaches intergovernmental work with lawmakers. All five borough-based chambers of commerce and 31 business improvement districts will send a letter to Adams this morning extolling the second installment of the administration’s City of Yes plan, which will alter a host of longstanding zoning regulations in the hopes of easing the process of building and opening new stores. “Right now, old rules are preventing new businesses from opening up and stopping existing businesses from expanding,” Adams said in a statement, later adding that “it’s why so many leaders from across the city … have called on the City Council to help us get these reforms done by voting in favor of ‘City of Yes.’” The second piece of the tripartite City of Yes plan is expected to pass, but still offers City Hall a trial run in coercing the City Council at a time when Adams is has no political capital to spare: He has antagonized lawmakers with bureaucratic hurdles, is attempting to push through an unpopular pick for corporation counsel and must negotiate a $110 billion budget with the council by the end of June. Against that backdrop, the mayor will need to persuade officials to approve the last and most controversial portion of the City of Yes initiative. — Joe Anuta More from the city: — The commission aiding the city in its $16.5 billion plan to close and replace Rikers Island is searching for answers as costs climb. (Daily News) — Violent confrontations at a pro-Palestinian rally in Bay Ridge led some officials and protest organizers to call the NYPD's response aggressive. (New York Times) — Dozens of centers for older adults could close if budget cuts proposed by Adams go through, senior advocates and council members warned. (Gothamist)
| | | | A message from Safer Roads For All:   | | | | | NEW FROM PLANET ALBANY | | |  Gov. Kathy Hochul's budget office insists that the state is prepared for a financial catastrophe. | Hans Pennink/AP | FISCAL WEATHER REPORT: Gov. Kathy Hochul’s budget office insists the state’s finances are prepared for any potential financial catastrophes. After all, New York has billions of dollars in its rainy day fund, potentially offsetting any lost revenue. “With a historically strong credit rating, a low debt burden, and nearly $20 billion in reserves, the State is in a strong position to safeguard against potential economic downturns, unforeseen emergencies, or unexpected budgetary challenges,” Division of Budget spokesperson Tim Ruffinen said. The rosy outlook comes as New York has significantly increased spending over the last five years and relies on a shrinking pool of very wealthy people to bolster its finances. And it comes in response to Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s office raised concerns in a budget update report last week that pointed to expiring tax rates on the very rich and corporations. The Division of Budget is expected to release its own financial assessment by the end of the month. — Nick Reisman More from Albany: — A proposal meant to address the state’s top court ruling in the Harvey Weinstein case was once opposed by Biden. (NYS Focus) — New York is leading the nation in child poverty, a study by the comptroller’s office found. (Times Union) — The gaming chairs in the Legislature are backing a bill that would speed up the current much-criticized timetable for awarding casino licenses. (POLITICO Pro)
| | KEEPING UP WITH THE DELEGATION | | | 
Rep. Pat Ryan clapped back at the NRCC after they claimed that he supported Hamas. | Hans Pennink/AP | HE DIDN’T SAY IT: Democratic Rep. Pat Ryan never uttered the words “I support Hamas.” But that didn’t stop a press release from the House Republicans’ campaign arm quoting him as such. Ryan’s campaign, needless to say, was not happy with their swing-district Hudson Valley freshman being falsely accused of supporting Hamas, much less inferring it was a direct quote. Ryan, an Army veteran, knocked the message from the NRCC. “I put my life on the line for our country, and lost friends and fellow soldiers in combat to Iran-backed terror groups like Hamas,” he posted to X. “I read their names daily on the memorial bracelet I wear.” NRCC spokesperson Savannah Viar in response pointed to Ryan’s votes against GOP-supported bills to fund aid to Israel. (Ryan did vote for a bill that provided support to both Israel and Ukraine.) “Pat Ryan has repeatedly betrayed Israel. His most recent vote siding with Joe Biden’s withholding of munitions in their fight against Hamas is just the latest shameful example,” Viar said. “If you’re not on the side of Israel in this fight, you’re on the side of Hamas, plain and simple.” — Nick Reisman More from Congress: — Rep. Jamaal Bowman is contending with a flood of cash from pro-Israel groups on behalf of his opponent, George Latimer. (POLITICO) — Bowman chided Latimer over the George Floyd and COVID-19 comments the Democratic challenger made in a radio interview. (Gothamist) — Behind AIPAC’s strategic decision not to mention Israel in most of its ads against congressional candidates. (POLITICO)
| | NEW YORK STATE OF MIND | | — Get ready for “rat running” as drivers try to avoid new congestion pricing tolls. (Newsday) — Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. lists his voting address in Westchester County — but the home owned by his friends is in foreclosure and neighbors say they’ve never seen him there. (New York Post) — The video portal between Dublin and New York City reopened on Sunday. (Daily News)
| | | | A message from Safer Roads For All: Autonomous vehicles are never distracted, intoxicated, or tired. Whether from drowsy, distracted, or drunk driving, human error is to blame for many of the 1.36 million traffic collisions in the U.S. each year. Even on their best days, people are prone to making mistakes - and every New Yorker has been impacted in some way by car crashes. Deploying a framework to allow AV expansion in New York will have a life-saving impact in stopping the avoidable traffic deaths on our roads. | | | | | SOCIAL DATA | | Edited by Daniel Lippman WEDDING — Virginia Boney, senior manager for public policy at Amazon, recently married Andrew Moore, chief of staff for former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, in a ceremony officiated by Adam Hammer. The couple first met at the International Strategy Forum in 2021, where Virginia was a fellow and Andrew was working the event. Pic ... Another pic. HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo … former New York Gov. David Paterson … Jon Meacham … POLITICO’s Julia Marsh … Dan Abrams … Walter Isaacson … APCO Worldwide’s Margery Kraus … Michael Oren … AP’s Chad Day … Phil Elliott of Time … Justin Portes … Tom McGeveran … Francine Segan … (WAS SUNDAY): Mary Hager of “Face the Nation” … Carol Guthrie of the OECD … Gail Simmons ... Jonathan Lippman ... Harvey Sherzer ... Einat Admony … … (WAS SATURDAY): Alex Witt … Matthew Yglesias … former Rep. Mondaire Jones (D-N.Y.) … NBC’s Josh Lederman … Querry Robinson … Clyde Haberman … AP’s Meg Kinnard … Shlomo Yanai ... Sarah Danzig ... Gary Kopff ... Fay Sliger … (WAS FRIDAY): Sheldon Krause ... Robin and Abigail Pogrebin.
| | YOUR NEW YORK NUMBER OF THE DAY | | | | 34 percent Share of 2020 Trump voters who either approve or strongly approve of Alvin Bragg’s “overall job performance since he became Manhattan District Attorney,” according to a Redfield & Wilton Strategies poll of 974 eligible city voters, per Newsweek. | | | | | | JOIN 5/22 FOR A TALK ON THE FUTURE OF TAXATION: With Trump-era tax breaks set to expire in 2025, whoever wins control of Congress, and the White House will have the ability to revamp the tax code and with it reshape the landscape for business and social policy. Join POLITICO on May 22 for an exploration of what is at stake in the November elections with our panel dissecting the ways presidential candidates and congressional leaders are proposing to reshape our tax rates and incentives. REGISTER HERE. | | | | | | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |
